Enabling background app refresh on your iPhone 15 is a handy feature that keeps your apps updated with the latest information while they’re running in the background. This means your apps can continue to download new content or receive notifications even when you’re not using them. It’s a simple process that can be done in just a few taps.
Related Video: How to Enable Background App Refresh on iPhone 15
Step by Step Tutorial: Enabling Background App Refresh on iPhone 15
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what enabling background app refresh will do. It allows apps to check for updates and new content in a power-efficient manner. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone 15.
The Settings app is the one with the gear icon, usually found on your home screen. If you can’t find it, you can also swipe down on your home screen and use the search bar to locate it.
Step 2: Tap on General
Once in Settings, scroll down and tap on the General option.
The General section houses many of your iPhone’s system settings, including software updates, background app refresh, and more.
Step 3: Select Background App Refresh
In the General settings, tap on Background App Refresh.
This is where you can control whether apps refresh in the background, using Wi-Fi, cellular data, or not at all.
Step 4: Turn on Background App Refresh
You’ll see three options: Off, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi & Cellular Data. Choose Wi-Fi & Cellular Data to enable background app refresh for all apps while connected to either Wi-Fi or cellular data.
If you’re concerned about data usage, you can select Wi-Fi only to restrict background app refresh to when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
After you complete this action, your apps will start refreshing in the background, ensuring that the content is always up to date. Just remember that this can use more battery life and data, so use these settings wisely based on your needs.
Tips: Making the Most Out of Background App Refresh on iPhone 15
- Keep in mind that enabling background app refresh can impact your battery life, so if you notice a significant drain, you may want to disable it for certain apps.
- You can enable background app refresh for specific apps by toggling the switch next to each app in the Background App Refresh settings.
- If you have a limited data plan, it’s a good idea to restrict background app refresh to Wi-Fi to avoid overage charges.
- Some apps may not need to refresh in the background. Consider disabling background app refresh for apps that you don’t use often or that don’t need to update regularly.
- Remember that apps can still refresh when you open them, so disabling background app refresh doesn’t mean you won’t get updates; it just means they won’t happen automatically in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does enabling background app refresh use more data?
Yes, enabling background app refresh can use more data since apps will update their content in the background when you’re not using them.
Can I choose which apps use background app refresh?
Absolutely! You can go into the Background App Refresh settings and toggle the switch next to each app to control which ones refresh in the background.
Will disabling background app refresh stop notifications?
No, disabling background app refresh does not stop notifications. Apps can still send notifications even if their background refresh is turned off.
Is it better to keep background app refresh on or off?
It depends on your preferences. If you like your apps to be always up to date, keep it on. If you’re concerned about battery life and data usage, consider turning it off.
Can background app refresh work on cellular data?
Yes, you can set background app refresh to work on both Wi-Fi and cellular data, or restrict it to Wi-Fi only to save on data usage.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap on General
- Select Background App Refresh
- Turn on Background App Refresh
Conclusion
Enabling background app refresh on your iPhone 15 is a breeze, and it’s a feature that can keep your digital life running smoothly. Whether you’re a social media enthusiast who needs to stay on top of the latest posts, a busy professional who relies on email notifications, or just someone who likes their apps to be up-to-date, background app refresh can be a game-changer. However, it’s essential to balance convenience with battery life and data usage. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the tips provided, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about how to use background app refresh on your iPhone 15 effectively. Keep experimenting with the settings until you find the sweet spot that works for you, and enjoy the benefits of having your apps ready when you are.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.